Cupromakopavonite is a very rare sulfosalt mineral found in hydrothermal deposits. It is typically identified through microscopic examination and chemical analysis due to its visual similarity to other lead-bearing sulfosalts, commonly appearing as metallic gray aggregates.
Is this cupromakopavonite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch cupromakopavonite with a known reference. Cupromakopavonite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cupromakopavonite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cupromakopavonite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, steel-gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Cupromakopavonite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside cupromakopavonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cupromakopavonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₈Pb₈Ag₃Bi₁₉S₄₀
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 6.6 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Sulfide Veins
- Typical price
- $100-500+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find cupromakopavonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Makóvka deposit, Slovakia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal sulfide veins country, the host setting where cupromakopavonite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify cupromakopavonite?+
Where is cupromakopavonite found?+
How much is cupromakopavonite worth?+
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What rocks look like cupromakopavonite?+
What minerals are found with cupromakopavonite?+
What kind of rock does cupromakopavonite form in?+
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Find cupromakopavonite on the map
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